Environmental Planning & Programs Director

The position of Environmental Planning & Programs Director serves on LOTT’s Senior Leadership Team and through the Executive Director is responsible for the success of LOTT’s mission, as well as the management of LOTT’s environmental planning and permitting efforts, and other partner and community environmental programs and initiatives.Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate closely with and advise the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team regarding environmental planning, permitting and programs;
• Develop and implement programs and efforts in alignment with LOTT’s strategic plan and long-term goals;
• Oversee all permitting and regulatory compliance documentation;
• Manage LOTT’s environmental planning efforts, including facilitation of the internal Environmental Coordination Team, Green Team, and other committees as assigned; 
• Proactively identify environmental issues including emerging legislation that may affect LOTT and develop proactive, coordinated responses to address issues; 
• Oversee the development and implementation of community environmental programs such as the Septic Conversion Incentive Program, Affordable Housing Support Program, Public Health Support Program, and related others as assigned in coordination with partner jurisdictions;
• Represent the organization at the local, regional, statewide, and national levels and in select industry associations to build broader awareness of LOTT environmental programs and initiatives; 
• Manage tracking, review, and response to legislative and regulatory issues, including identification and advancement of legislative priorities;
• Coordinate the multi-jurisdictional Reclaimed Water Program, including development of plans, policies, and agreements and facilitation of related working groups of LOTT and partner jurisdiction staff; 
• Develop and maintain partnerships and collaborations in support of LOTT’s mission with tribal, state, regional, and local entities, including representing LOTT on interagency committees and working groups (e.g., Sea Level Rise Collaborative);
• Manage SEPA compliance, environmental evaluations, land use permitting processes, and archaeological and cultural resource evaluations in support of LOTT planning and capital projects;
• Develop, update, and administer program budgets;
• Manage projects, contracts, and supervise and direct program consultants;
• Prepare and deliver presentations to the Board of Directors, elected officials, community groups, and professional associations; 
• Track and coordinate all discharge and reclaimed water permit submittals to facilitate delegation of appropriate assignments and timely submissions;
• Support capital planning by facilitating tracking of system capacity in alignment with the 2050 System Plan to ensure Capital Management Team assesses and recommends action when needed;
• Provide leadership and oversight to the Facilities Manager ensuring effective management of facility operations, environmental compliance and security;
• Coordinate for water quality and habitat project advancement and collaboration with regional partners and tribes;
• Track and comment on LOTT jurisdictional partner environmental and planning documents as they relate to LOTT business;
• Oversee development of LOTT’s Climate Action Strategy and facilitate its implementation;
• Track peer utility advancements, permits, and technologies for benchmarking LOTT and learning from best practices;
• Manage LOTT’s environmental cleanup plans and listed or possible contaminated sites;
• Track and manage LOTT responses to emerging chemicals including sampling;
• Participate in or lead various organizational development efforts, including the six-year organizational performance plan and related reporting; 
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; and
• Perform duties and responsibilities of Executive Director as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly or indirectly supervise division staff, including employee selection and hiring, discipline, performance management, and assignment of work;
• Foster a work environment that supports and facilitates LOTT’s Culture of Excellence and the performance of efficient, effective, high-quality work, and employee satisfaction;
• Monitor employee productivity; provide constructive feedback and coaching; conduct timely and honest conversations about performance;
• Monitor, identify, and resolve personnel, workload, and procedural problems; and
• Oversee onboarding, training, and development of assigned staff.

Working Conditions: This position works primarily in an office setting but is required to work in all areas of LOTT facilities. Work includes traveling to offsite community locations and LOTT facilities in order to meet with community partners, give presentations, and gather information. Due to the size and configuration of LOTT facilities, the ability to climb stairs and sufficient agility to safely navigate uneven terrain and slippery surfaces both indoors and outdoors is required. This position may be exposed to a variety of health and safety conditions including toxic, corrosive, and combustible fumes and chemicals, high voltage equipment, and raw sewage. The physical ability to carry or otherwise transport heavy boxes, displays, exhibit furnishings, and equipment is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Long-range natural resource, watershed, and community resource planning;
• Intergovernmental and inter-agency relations and structures;
• Land use planning, sustainability practices, environmental impact assessments, and resource management; 
• Thorough knowledge of environmental regulations and policies at the local, state, and federal levels; 
• Comprehensive understanding of wastewater treatment processes and infrastructure;
• Methods to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse communities and interested parties on environmental issues; and
• Budget development and financial planning for capital improvement projects and long-range infrastructure planning.

Skill in:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey complex environmental concepts to diverse audiences including policymakers and the general public; 
• Application of strategic planning and project management skills while leading complex, multidisciplinary projects; 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in environmental impact and regulatory compliance; 
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, consultants, tribal staff, community partners and interdepartmental teams;
• Deliver compelling presentations and workshops to both technical and non-technical audiences including partners, community groups, and professional organizations; 
• Innovative thinking;
• Proficiency with computer software including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint;
• Strong active listening, interpersonal and leadership skills to foster and maintain positive working relationships and a trust-based environment; and
• Conduct complex analyses.

Ability to:

• Capacity to develop and implement long-term plans and strategies that align with organizational goals and environmental sustainability objectives; 
• Think critically and identify challenges, develop solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances and rapidly shifting priorities;
• Handle sensitive or high-stakes communication effectively and with discretion;
• Flexible in responding to new challenges and opportunities in the environmental field, including emerging issues, technologies, and policy changes; 
• Facilitate constructive discussions on sensitive and controversial issues with multiple parties reflecting diverse interests;
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and under competing deadlines;
• Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams in achieving organizational goals;
• Effectively represent LOTT in public meetings and interagency collaborations;
• Learn from others and seek direct feedback to improve and grow;
• Analyze information and make sound, data-informed decisions;
• Maintain files and records in accordance with LOTT and regulatory requirements; and
• Self-start and operate with or without daily direction from supervisor.

Education/Experience:  Bachelor’s Degree with major emphasis in environmental science, engineering, planning, or closely allied field. A minimum of ten years’ professional experience involving program planning and management, and/or administering environmental programs, including four or more years of experience in the administration and supervision of staff, consultants, and/or contractors is required.  

Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job may be substituted for the foregoing requirements. 
 

Additional Requirements:  Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License within 30 days of hire. Must participate in LOTT’s Health and Safety Program. 

 

Salary : $160,000 - $192,750